During a visit to his home, Susan Cherian, NP, examines a man who had suffered from a stroke.
During a visit to his home, Susan Cherian, NP, examines a man who had suffered from a stroke.
Dr. Alex Smith performs dental work on a patient at the clinic. This was the first outreach to Bosnia where HCM did dental work
Dr. Alex Smith performs dental work on a patient at the clinic. This was the first outreach to Bosnia where HCM did dental work
Jessica Hardin, RN, conducts a health teaching seminar during the evening at the outreach to the people of Mostar, Bosnia-Herzeg
Jessica Hardin, RN, conducts a health teaching seminar during the evening at the outreach to the people of Mostar, Bosnia-Herzeg
Susan Cherian, NP, examines a child at the clinic.
Susan Cherian, NP, examines a child at the clinic.
July 1

By Carrie Stewart

HealthCare Ministries has been sending teams to the town of Mostar in Bosnia-Herzegovina for three years, building a relationship with missionaries and local pastors to reshape the community's view on the church.  If one isn't Muslim or Orthodox, one is considered part of a cult.  Evangelical Christians fall into this category, and the missionaries and pastors have been trying to combat this for years.  One way has been having a medical evangelism clinic once a year to show the community that the church is a safe and compassionate place.

This past May a team of eight went to Mostar to hold an outreach focused on health teaching and dental care.  Because of the perception of Christians in that area, the number of people that showed up was less than a typical HCM outreach.  But this gave our team members the opportunity to spend more one-on-one time with patients, explaining the Gospel.

This outreach offered a unique opportunity for our team leader, Loretta Speicher, to visit an elderly man in his home who had suffered a stroke.  His condition was terminal, so Loretta was able to use her hospice care background to talk about the last stage in life to him and his wife.  An hour's conversation went by quickly as they shared prayers and tears.

Only eternity will show the fruits of this seed-planting venture in Bosnia-Herzegovina and how time taken to cultivate relationships and build bridges can affect even one soul for the kingdom.